PCB chief selector opens up on recalling tainted Sharjeel Khan for upcoming tour

Pakistan’s chief selector Mohammad Wasim, on Friday, explained the reason behind recalling tainted batsman Sharjeel Khan for the upcoming tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Pakistan are scheduled to play three ODIs and four T20Is in South Africa before they travel to Zimbabwe for a couple of Tests and three T20Is.

Sharjeel has been named in the T20I squad for the tours. The southpaw last played for Pakistan in 2016 before he was banned for his part in the 2017 PSL spot-fixing scandal. Sharjeel remained out out of action for more than two years before being allowed to return to competitive cricket by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The 31-year old has earned the recall after a prolific run in the domestic circuit. Sharjeel scored 233 runs in the National T20 Cup and was the third highest run-scorer behind Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam in PSL 2021 before the tournament was postponed midway last week.

Reason behind Sharjeel Khan’s recall:

Mohammad Wasim has insisted that Sharjeel Khan earned the recall because the selectors wanted to give him a chance after his fine display in domestic cricket. Wasim also insisted that Sharjeel has also improved his fitness. The Pakistan selector also stated that Sharjeel will give the team a good power-hitter.

“Sharjeel Khan has been given a chance to come back to the side on the basis of good performances in domestic cricket along with an overall betterment in fitness. The team needs a power-hitter and Sharjeel’s presence will provide the chance for a better combination. After the tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe, we will be in a position to give a final look to our eventual World Cup squad,” Wasim said.

Speaking further, Wasim also spoke about Mohammad Amir who had sensationally retired from international cricket earlier this year. The 42-year old said that Amir was not considered for the tours because of his retirement.

“The players who have been dropped are still a part of our plans. Any player can perform and make their way back into the side. Mohammad Amir took retirement from international cricket. For all other players, the doors are always open. Performance and fitness are the only two ways into the national side,” he said.